In a significant change for the food industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a ban on Red Dye 3 over its link to cancer.
The bright cherry-red dye, commonly used in candies, drinks and some medications, will no longer be allowed in products consumed by Americans.
Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, has been banned in cosmetics and non-oral medications since 1990, and now its removal from food products marks a major step in addressing health concerns.
The dye is known to cause cancer in animals and has been linked to a range of serious health concerns, particularly for children.
There are over 2,000 products that contain the additive, according to Environmental Working Group. Popular candies, beverages, cereals, ice cream cones, frozen dairy desserts, popsicles, frostings and icings are some of the items that contain Red No. 3. Oral medications such as acetaminophen, fluoxetine and gabapentin can also contain the dye, according to Drugs.com.
While many well-known products have already switched from Red No. 3 to alternative dyes, thousands of items on store shelves still contain the controversial additive.
Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove the dye from their products, while drug manufacturers companies have a little more time, with a deadline set for January 2028.
As manufacturers begin to phase it out, consumers are encouraged to carefully check food labels and opt for alternatives like Red 40 or natural colorings.
What foods contain Red No. 3?
According to Amanda Beaver, a wellness dietician at Houston Methodist, foods that may contain red dye 3 include:
• Some fruit cocktails
• Candy corns
• Protein shakes
• Ice pops
• Sausages
• Lollipops
• Puddings
• Vegetarian meats
• Bacon bits
• Strawberry milk
• Jellybeans
• Candies
• Colored beverages
• Strawberry ice cream bars
Chances are, you're probably eating something from that list. Some healthier alternatives that Beaver suggests include:
• Frozen fruit instead of fruit cocktail
• Fruit-infused water instead of artificially colored drinks
• Chocolate bars instead of colorful candy
• Bean chili instead of veggie burgers
• Roasted, salted pumpkin seeds instead of bacon bits
• Chocolate milk instead of strawberry milk
• Homemade trail mix with nuts, chocolate chips and raisins instead of store-bought ones with candy-coated chocolate